Ridgewood, NJ Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Ridgewood, NJ

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Ridgewood is 65.9% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 8 violent crimes reported in Ridgewood, equivalent to 30 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 91.8%. Additionally, Ridgewood recorded 202 property crimes, amounting to 763 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 61%.

With a crime rate of 793, significantly below the national average of 2324, Ridgewood stands out as one of the safest places to reside in the United States. This distinction is primarily attributed to the calculation of total crimes, which encompasses both violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents.

With only 30 incidents per 100,000 people, Ridgewood boasts an exceptionally low rate of violent crimes, positioning it as one of the safest cities in the United States. Given these low violent crime rates, Ridgewood has become an appealing destination for individuals in search of a secure and welcoming place to establish their new home.

Ridgewood showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.

Is Ridgewood a Safe Place to Live?

Is Ridgewood a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Ridgewood has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 66%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.58 daily incidents, encompassing 0.02 violent crimes and 0.55 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Ridgewood as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Ridgewood Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Ridgewood has increased by 48.9% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Ridgewood is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has didn't change by 0%, while property crime has increased by 51.9%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Ridgewood.

Potential Causes for Crime in Ridgewood

Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Ridgewood, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 2%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.

In Ridgewood, the cost of living is 76.98% higher than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.

Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Ridgewood, the average monthly rent stands at $2,062, while the national average is $949 per month.

Ridgewood crime map